Yorkshire in Bloom

Yorkshire in Bloom is a competition that is run by the Royal Horticultural Society, to encourage environmental awareness by all sort of organisations. The Middleton Railway was encouraged to enter it for the first time in 2018, and was delighted to have won a Gold Award in the category for Tourist Attractions (despite the setback caused by the fire at a neighbouring builder's merchants, only two days before the competition was due to be judged).

The judges made some useful suggestions for how we might improve, and so we entered again in 2019, and we are delighted that we have again won a Gold Award in the category for Tourist Attractions.

The judges obviously enjoyed the whole of their visit, as they said "What an experience this was, the passion of the team is absolutely infectious. the history and heritage is wonderful. Well organised, fantastic interpretation." For the floral displays themselves they said "The planting around the station is wonderful, well cared for and all adds to the overall experience.". They particularly liked the newly planted area in front of the entrance to the Engine House.

One of the flower displays on the platform, at the beginning of May 2018.

Unfortunately, Mike, our gardener, was not able to attend the awards ceremony for 2019. So Ian Smith, as Vice President, represented him, and is seen here with our award certificate at the awards ceremony at York Racecourse on 10th September 2019.